Immanuel Ministries

Jesus My Friend

We know when Jesus was here walking the earth, He was very aware of His purpose and that all He did or said was with that in mind. But I think many times the family of God forgets that He posessed all of the emotions we do. And, although He was without sin, laughter was one of them. We

don't know the things that He must have found humorous because there is no indication of that in the bible. But we know that God is the giver of joy and humor.

I love this picture depicting that side of Jesus. He must have looked up many times to the Father with joy. And He must have had such times with His disciples. Like what the look on their faces must have beenwhen He turned a loaf of bread into enough bread to feed a multitude?

Perhaps. All I know is that there is joy unspeakable in the Lord and that He rejoices with us.

His Firstborn

The Jews were not chosen because they were a migty people, but because they were lowly and there was a desire for the true God. Jesus was there when they had their many trials and rebellions, and He time and agian was patient and willing to show them how to have a right relationship with God.

He knew that this was the last time they would receive instruction and that time was running out. Jesus wept over Jeruselem, knowing that they would reject the promised Messiah and that they were far from a right relationship with God. But He also knew that many natural Jews would believe His words and deeds, and bring into the fold many spiritual Jews.

My Longing

Many times in my talks with other people, I have expressed that the reason I want to go to heaven is not because I necessarily want the treasures that God has promised me, but because I long to be with God. It's like being physically away from anyone you love, you can't wait to see them. But one thing that should be expressed is that Jesus feels the same way. He longs to have us with Him. He wants to greet us with a hug and a kiss and to say, "Welcome home!"

His Eyes

How mild Jesus is with those who are not yet feeding on meat, but are only drinking milk. Jesus knows that we need patience and a gentle touch.

I long to be at His knee, learning from Him and looking into His eyes. I long to look into His eyes. There can't be anything more striking or intense than the eyes of the Lamb of God

Following

To follow someone is not always the easiest thing to do. We get off into our own desires and thoughts of how we ought to do things. But even when this happens to me, Jesus is waiting up ahead an motioning for me to get behind Him again and stay on the path

Doubts

Thomas, as we know, was a doubter. He saw Jesus after He had overcome death by His resurrection, and didn't believe it was Him. Jesus had told His disciples numerous times that this is what would happen, but it was a hard thing to grasp.

It's interesting how we can believe that Jesus rose from the dead but we have a hard time with little things of faith such as, "I hope I get that job, I need to pay my bills." So I have never been too harsh with my thoughts of Thomas. We all have doubts on occasion, at which time Jesus comes, showing us the wounds of His mercy and grace.

Decisions & Zeal

When I first decided that I wanted a friendship with Jesus, I was fired up and thought I could win the whole world to Christ. I was sure that everyone would want what I had. I had the zeal, but I didn't have the knowledge and wisdom to realize that this couldn't happen. Not everyone would want it. Now that I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, I see why it took Paul a few years to be ready for his ministry.

One thing that I grew to realize after I calmed down a little, is that as long as I am on this earth, hardships and trials will be a part of my life. I simply need to choose who is the eye of my storms and where my comfort comes from. If I go to God as a little child, He will be my comforter. Jesus has brought me up from very low places through His arms of rest.

Humility

One of the the things about Jesus that constantly amazes me is His humility. His humility is perfect. The ultimate authority of the universe humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant.

How many of us would wash the feet of our neighbor or friends? There are people who do such for a living, but would they do it as servitude to another person? Yet this is what Jesus did. He gave the example of this type of humility. That to be humble was actually exaltation.

Pain

Jesus not only agonized from the physical pain he was in, but He agonized over the state of man, dying themselves. He knew He would overcome this destruction that had been incurred to mankind through the entrance of sin into His perfect creation, but He knew not all would accept what he was doing as something out of love. He was pained by the response from His chosen nation, and those who were not.

It is an awesome thing that the almighty God would come as a man to save the world from destruction. That he would become like us, being susceptible to physical pain and discomforts we feel. Simple things like feeling cold and hungry.

This can't be compared to any other act of love and is not matched in any myth of so-called gods that have been chosen rather than the one, true God.

Anxiety

The anxiety and anticipation of Jesus as the time came close for His betrayal and crucifixion was so intense that He sweat drops of blood. This condition can happen to anyone who is in a state of anxiety that is overwhelming to the body.

Jesus not only knew He was going to die a physically painful death, but He knew the weight of sin would be on His shoulders. All the sin of man. Even though He was not guilty of any sin, He would bear it on His shoulders so it could be nailed to the cross. Ever felt guilty about something? Take that feeling and multiply it times.... Who could stand such a thing?

Jesus, being fully man as well as fully God, felt the anxiety that we have the opportunity to be without. There was so much accomplished by His death, we only need to see and believe what it entailed.

Jesus walked a mile in my shoes and I have not even begun to walk a mile in His.

Authority

I've often wondered what it was like for people at that time to see Jesus with their eyes and to hear Him with their ears. His life was so compelling and He spoke with such ultimate authority, I have also wondered how anyone could just ignore Him or accuse Him of being a blasphemer.

It is a comfort to know that he has never stopped speaking and His authority is everlasting. He has much to tell me and will complete it when I see Him in His glory.

Shepherd

It's understandable why the 23rd Psalm is so popular. It has so much contained in it. I learned once that sheep won't drink from water unless it is still. That brought a whole new revelation to me about, "He leads me beside the still waters." And now that I am older and "wiser" I know and desire the need for His staff and rod. If He didn't correct me, I would be in the valley of the shadow of death without a shepherd. Have you ever seen a flock of sheep running from a wolf? The sheep are dreadfully frightened.

Jesus has been a faithful shepherd to me, carrying my burdens and providing all that I need. He is always close by and leads me to where I will be with Him.

I have tried to bring some light to my friendship with Jesus. It is a friendship that I would not trade for fine diamonds or pure gold.

If you don't have this sort of friendship with Jesus and you would like to know Him, all you need to do is ask. There are no passwords or speacial prayers you must say to approach Him, only a sincere heart and a humble spirit.